Spotlight on Avidan Itzhak (FYHS '13)

Graduating Year: 2013

Current Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Profession:  I am a residential home builder and developer. I work throughout the Hampton Roads area, managing projects from land acquisition and development all the way through construction and the sale of new homes.

Tell us a little bit about your family:  I live in Norfolk with my wife, our daughter Liel, and our twin boys, Coby and Ezra. Family is a huge part of my life, and most of my time outside of work is spent with them.

What is your favorite memory/(memories) from FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

 What stands out most is the camaraderie and the friendships. Some of my closest friendships today began during those years. I loved being part of the school community, cheering on our basketball teams, and finding ways to get students involved. One memory that still makes me smile is helping start intramural soccer as an alternative to softball. Whether it was in the classroom, on the court, or at Kayitz, there was a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.

I also appreciated the relationships with the rebbeim and faculty. I made an effort to stay connected with people like Ramzag and Rabbi Schuman, whose influence continued long after graduation. Looking back, the Yeshiva gave me far more than an education—it provided friendships, mentors, and values that have stayed with me throughout life.

Please share a lesson/takeaway from your time at FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

 One of the biggest lessons I learned is the importance of relationships. The Yeshiva encouraged us to build meaningful connections with friends, teachers, and mentors and to carry those relationships with us throughout life. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate how valuable that lesson really was.

Advice for current students:

 Take advantage of the people around you. Invest in your friendships, learn from your rebbeim and teachers, and appreciate the unique environment you’re in. The relationships you build today can last a lifetime. Keep up the achdus, keep shteiging, and enjoy the journey—you’ll look back on these years more fondly than you can imagine.